Cassette decks....reliability and build quality...

Check here for nakamichi info naks

NAD 6300. Tandberg electronics wih a really great set of heads. I have 2 that need service, but when they run they sound awesome.

Denon and Yamaha decks were quite reliable. NADs had a spotty record. Naks are fussy and produce non-standard tapes. Tandbergs and B&Os sound awesome, but can be service nightmares.

I'd go with Denon or Yanaha if I were you...

-RW-

Cassette decks are fairly complex devices. I would stay away from used, older decks due to maintenance issues. Even the best built ones require a good deal of TLC. A decent quality new Tascam or Denon deck will cost around $400. You could get lucky on an older deck, but you could get unlucky just as easily.

In a different direction, any sub-$200 USB A/D attached to a computer with recording software (usually bundled free with the A/D) will allow equal to if not better than cassette quality recordings, plus editing.

Last night, I was listening to a Bela Fleck cassette on my Dragon. I sometimes forget the extrordinary fidelity and naturalness of sound that this Nak produces. Even my least expensive Nak (CR-1A) is capable of outstanding playback of well-recorded tapes. The ZX-9 still makes excellent copies and also has outstanding playback. Connect it with a good quality IC even though you’ll read that, with cassettes, ICs don't make a difference. Bull-ca-ca!

Granted, they do need a lot of TLC and a periodic trip to the doctor, but they are worth it if you have a large library of pre-recorded tapes. If you are used to fussing with your vinyl, then cassette ownership is no more painful. I do not recommend double-wells decks except to use as rewinders.

Periodically browse at your local Salvation Army store. You’d be surprised how many good and hardly-used cassette decks get put for sale. My CR-1 was a SA rescue and it cost me $20.00. The heads were practically new.

Good luck,

8^(